Texas Senate Bill SB1996

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to animal disease control by the Texas Animal Health Commission; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The changes instituted by SB1996 particularly aim to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding animal diseases in Texas. By amending existing sections of the Agriculture Code, the bill allows for the imposition of administrative penalties on those who fail to comply with its stipulations, thus enforcing a higher level of accountability. The authority granted to the commission to delegate quarantine decisions to the executive director further streamlines the response to outbreaks, enabling quicker action in protecting both animals and agricultural interests across the state.

Summary

SB1996 primarily addresses animal disease control, focusing on the powers and responsibilities of the Texas Animal Health Commission. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting livestock, exotic livestock, and domestic fowl from various communicable diseases, making amendments to ensure rigorous reporting and regulatory measures are in place. This involves not only the identification of diseases but also the measures for disease outbreak control, including possible quarantines and slaughter of affected animals when necessary. The bill reflects a strong commitment to preventing and addressing serious animal health issues that can have far-reaching impacts on agriculture and public health.

Contention

Although there does not appear to be widespread public contention regarding the specifics of SB1996, the implications of increased regulatory authority and penalties could raise concerns among livestock owners and agricultural stakeholders regarding compliance burdens. Balancing strict animal health measures with the operational realities faced by farmers and ranchers will continue to be a critical consideration as the bill progresses through the legislative process.